Plane wreck can be beautiful – only in Iceland

When I started a blog I didn’t think one day I’ll write a post about plane wreck ! Who would ever want to visit place like that ? Well, Iceland surprise even on that topic.Some flights go down over remote, inaccessible spots that make it difficult to recover the remains. Other planes are left as memorial to those who died in the crash. No matter the reason for their abandonment, many of the hidden wrecks can be visited by anyone with a drive for adventure.

Once a symbol of the golden age of air travel, a Douglas Super DC-3 airplane lies forgotten on a deserted black beach in Iceland – untouched since it crashed more than four decades ago.The most common theory is either that the plane crashed because it ran out of the fuel or because the pilot accidentally switched to the wrong fuel tank. The plane was one of four Douglas Dakotas based at the US Navy based in Keflavík, which was important military base during the Cold War. The base was closed in 2006 when the US Navy left. It’s tail and wings are gone and it’s windows are all smashed but it’s still more then breathtaking attraction. Stay with me I’ll show you.

WHAT’S THE STORY ?

On November 24, 1973. a United States Navy plane crashed onto the beach in South Iceland. Running into a sudden change of weather, the pool it had to preform an emergency landing – thankfully there was a beach visible nearby. Amazingly, the all crew survived, but the plane was abandoned still standing at the crash site.Despite sitting in the harsh, Icelandic environment for over 40 years, the plane’s shell is very well – preserved.You can see airplane before it crashed HERE.

HOW TO GET THERE ?

The landowners had marked out a clear path to the wreckage to deter people from going off- road into the sand.The plane is located around 10 kilometers off the main road west of Vík on Sólheimasandur Beach. Once you turn on the dusty road, it’s take about 15 minutes of driving to get to a huge black- sand beach, which was pretty incredible in itself.

Contrast of the plane and the blackness of the sand all around it, makes this sight even more special. Like a movie set for a new blockbuster about zombies. Truly a magnificent place.During my visit there were very few tourists around. In 30 minutes you can explore whole place and even climb into the cockpit. How cool is that ?

CAN I GET IN FRONT OF IT WITH A CAR?

There is a latest news going on around that landowners have closed the road leading to this site due visitors behavior in the area that was not acceptable. This means no one is allowed to drive on the beach to the plane. The only way to get there now is to walk – 4 km one way. If someone has more recent informations please share with us and help my readers plan the trip.

The Plane wreck is one of the Iceland’s most visited landmarks and has featured in countless Instagram photos online, and in many videos and movies. And you definitely need to see it but please behave with respect so we can all enjoy in this unique place for many more years .

Even a Justin Bieber made a video with a scenes from this sight ! Not the fan but it’s a really good tribute to all the beautiful sights you will find on the Iceland ! Enjoy it !

Hope you guys loved this article and feel free to share your opinion and stories about this sight or Iceland in general! So happy to hear it all!